Criminal complaints allege that Begay illegally authorized payments to his children. Those include $1,800 for a school band trip that already was funded and more than $800 in costs for summer school tuition that didn't exist.

Regardless, tribal law prohibits nepotism. Prosecutors say Begay and his children never disclosed their relationship.

Begay's arraignment is scheduled Aug. 10. He has said the charges are unwarranted.

Criminal charges or ethics violations have been filed against nearly 30 others in the investigation, alleging misuse of more than $1.1 million.

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